Oil and Gas together comprise over 70% of our Primary Energy consumption – we are going to need hydrocarbons for a very long time

The argument in favour of exploiting indigenous hydrocarbon reserves is actually much stronger than the one made in The Times leader today. Power generation, which they focus on, is the one part of our energy mix where substitution by renewables is practical and well underway. Wind and Solar, along with biofuels and waste, can replace gas almost completely over time in this sector augmented, as they say, by limited use of gas-fired plant for flexibility.

But energy consumption is about a great deal more than making electricity. Substantial oil and gas consumption is simply not open to conversion to renewables for practical or economic reasons, or both. Aircraft can only fly on oil fuel. And that’s not going to change. Sea-going vessels like container ships, cruise ships and ferries likewise. A significant minority of our railway network cannot economically be electrified and will remain reliant on diesel-powered trains

. The use of gas boilers for heating our offices, hospitals and, especially, our homes will remain for the foreseeable future. Replacing them is possible, but a very long term project. Similarly commercial road transport will remain predominantly oil-powered for decades. And the switch from petrol/diesel to battery power for private cars is a much longer and more problematic challenge than many suggest.

Oil and gas together comprise over 70% of our Primary Energy consumption. If we are going to need oil and gas for a very long time (we are!) it makes total sense to use our own indigenous resources. This improves our energy security and our balance of trade and reduces costs.